The government has announced that, after the period of public consultation, the process to approve the comprehensive law against human trafficking will resume. This law was one of the many bills that were put on hold due to early elections almost a year ago. The severity of the situation that the new law aims to address is evident in the figures released this week by the Ministry of the Interior. In just 2023, 80 criminal groups were dismantled in 196 police operations, leading to the arrest of 575 individuals. As a result, 654 individuals, mostly women, were rescued, with security forces identifying 284 of them as victims of human trafficking, primarily from Colombia, Venezuela, and Paraguay.
The comprehensive law seeks to provide the state with the necessary tools to combat organized crime that has adapted and enhanced its methods of capturing, transporting, and holding victims with the help of technological advancements. Prostitution has shifted from the streets and brothels to private homes or online platforms due to increased police pressure and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder to monitor and control. However, the primary goal of the law is to ensure a coordinated response from public authorities to address the tragic situation faced by victims. The majority of trafficking victims in Spain are foreigners, often in irregular administrative situations and sometimes with dependents in their home countries who rely on the limited earnings provided by their exploiters to survive.
The state’s response cannot solely rely on police operations; it must also take into account the sensitivity of the victims to the horrifying experiences they have endured and address their fears about the future, authorities, and the well-being of their families and friends back home. All these aspects must be incorporated into the law that will ultimately be approved by the parliament. However, an effective and comprehensive response will not be possible without the involvement of the countries of origin of the exploited individuals. Organizations like the Colombian Ombudsman’s Office and the Paraguayan Prosecutor’s Office have criticized the lack of action by their governments in addressing human trafficking, which affects hundreds of their citizens.
It can be argued that addressing human trafficking is just one of many challenges that these governments face, but acknowledging the seriousness of the problem is the first step towards finding a solution. Cooperation between countries is crucial to combatting transnational crimes like human trafficking effectively. It is essential for governments to work together to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators. By joining forces and sharing resources and information, countries can strengthen their efforts against human trafficking and better support those who have been victimized by this crime. Ultimately, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is necessary to eradicate human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation and abuse.
